MD: Signs of low transmission fluid | Ways to change transmission fluid | Change the transmission fluid and filter | Cost of transmission fluid change
Numerous vehicle owners understand that their vehicles need to stay on top of the maintenance routine. Every type of vehicle engine demands a routine maintenance schedule including tire replacement and oil change. However, if you are a new vehicle owner, you might face difficulty knowing when to give the vehicle what it deserves.
If the transmission fluid in your vehicle is low, your vehicle would not generate the necessary hydraulic pressure. This phenomenon is also known as gear slippage. In such a situation, your vehicle will cease to accelerate properly. In addition to this, you might also find that your vehicle gets sluggish.
Wait, there’s more!
In this article, we will walk you through the top and crucial determiners of low transmission fluid in a vehicle.
Tops Ways To Determine Low Transmission Fluid In Your Vehicle
Most automotive manufacturers suggest getting the transmission fluid flushed after your vehicle completes the milestone of 30,000 miles. Either that, or if your vehicle does not move that frequently, you may consider changing your transmission fluid every two years to keep your vehicle up and running. However, all vehicles need not follow the thumb rule. In some cars, the transmission fluid might be required to be flushed sooner, in kilometres, and in years.
If you see that your vehicle has suddenly dropped its performance, you may consider changing the transmission fluid. Below are some of the top determiners helping you identify the right time to get your transmission fluid changed:
Grinding Noise In Vehicles May Be A Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore:
When the engine of your vehicle is down with dirt, debris, or grease, it might show signs of low transmission levels. In addition to this, if you are the driver, you might notice that the transmission grinding or odd sounds coming in from the engine, even at low speeds. In such a case, it is a good idea to check the level of transmission fluid while the vehicle has still not reached the extreme state. If you find that the fluid levels are normal, your vehicle might just need a transmission flush.
Hard To Shift Gears In Your Vehicle Might Be An Underlying Sign Of Troubled Transmission:
Regardless of your vehicle being automatic or manual, it does need a clean transmission fluid every now and then. Normally, when your vehicle is equipped with the best levels of transmission fluid, your might be able to receive maximum performance and smooth operations. However, if your transmission system of the vehicle has a lot of dirt and sludge in the engine compartment, it might cause a slug when your shift the gears. When you experience a hard time in shifting the gears of your vehicles, it might just be the right time to flush your transmission fluid. Besides this, even if you find it easy to shift the gear, it might be a sign that your vehicle needs to change with the transmission fluid.
Slipping Gears Are A Good Reason To Flush Your Transmission Fluid:
When your vehicle has a lot of dirt deposited, it might naturally lose its hydraulic capabilities with time. The contaminants and thick oil deposits are also to be blamed for the slipping gears. When your engine is dirty, it directly interferes with the transmission fluid flow. Owing to this situation, it might cause a lack of pressure that is required for the transmission to stay in gear. Even though your vehicle is experiencing no other symptoms than the slipping gears, it might be time to get your vehicle a transmission fluid flush.
Vehicle Surge Is An Unmissable Sign, Depicting The Time To Flush The Transmission Fluid:
Another unmissable sign to identify that your vehicle needs a transmission fluid flush is when your vehicle jumps forwards or backwards without any prior warning. It might often cause a lot of distress to the drivers and passengers. You might witness the vehicle surge quite frequently. The transmission fluid flush happens owing to the inconsistent flow of the transmission fluid in the vehicles. The dirt in the engine hinders the fluid flow to the vehicle, thereby causing the disruption. In such a condition, the best solution to opt for is a flush for the transmission.
How Should You Change The Transmission Fluid?
In order to have a good life for your vehicle, you need to change your transmission fluid as frequently as possible. The most viable solution is to check the owner’s manual to know the exact time to get your vehicle’s transmission fluid flushed out. In case, you find it difficult to do so, you can consult an automotive oil expert to diagnose the true state of your vehicle.
Below is a detailed process to change the transmission fluid of your vehicle:
Lift Your Vehicle With A Jack Stand:
Ensure that you have enough room to move under your vehicle. For this, you need to lift your vehicle properly and support your jacks securely. Make sure that you have parked your vehicle on a flat surface. When you squeeze under your vehicle, you should use chucks, stands, and bracing to avoid your vehicle from rolling off the ramps.
Determine The Location Of The Transmission Fluid Pan:
Usually, you will be able to find the transmission fluid pan at the bottom of the transmission system fixed with around six to eight bolts. For the front wheeled drive vehicles, you need to check the left to the right panel of your engine bay. For the rear-wheeled vehicles, the transmission system might be located near the centre console area that is situated facing the front.
Drain The Transmission Fluid:
Upon locating the transmission pan, the first thing you should do is place the collection pan near the drain hole to avoid making a mess out of the situation. Ensure that the collection pan is twice as wide as the transmission pan. Unscrew the drainage bolt, and the fluid will start flowing freely into the collection vessel. Check out the fluid coming out of the vehicle. Even when you drain the transmission fluid through the drainage system, only 50% of the fluid will be retained by the vehicle. However, you need to ensure that you flush your transmission system completely.
Replace The Transmission Fluid:
While you are replacing the transmission fluid, it is a good practice to evaluate the health of your gaskets and filters. If you find any disruption in these components, it is advisable that you replace these before replacing the transmission fluid. Check for cracks and leaks in these components as a sure-fire way to change the gasket and filter. Once done, add the new transmission fluid in your vehicle that is specified by your automobile manufacturer. If you are not sure about the transmission fluid, consult an automotive specialist. Ensure that you do not add a lot of fluid to avoid overfilling and spillage.
Start The Ignition:
In order to ensure that your vehicle is filled with the required levels of transmission fluid, you need to start your ignition to determine the fluid levels. If you find that the transmission fluid level is low, you can add more fluid to your vehicle. After adding the transmission fluid again, check your fluid levels. In some of the vehicles, the transmission fluid can be checked in neutral. While in some of the vehicles, you can check your fluid level in a parked state.
Dispose Of The Flushed Transmission Fluid Properly:
Being environmentally benign with the best practices goes a long way. It is a known fact that the transmission fluid is harmful to the atmosphere. Hence, the transmission fluid that you have collected in the collection vessel should be disposed of properly. When you are dealing with the flushed transmission fluid from your vehicle, ensure that you wear proper gloves and wash your skin if any residue remains.
In order to avoid complexity and contamination, the best way to go about changing your transmission fluid is to find out an authorized oil dealer and get the required service for your vehicle.